topic – what the paper is about
thesis – your position on the topuic

a good thesis:
1. encapsulates the argument of the paper
2. is specific
3. speaks to the broader themes of the paper

“In this paper, I will argue that _______________”

anti-hero

Morality

where is good to be found in the film noir?

what is the difference between these two phrases:

the film noir protagonist serves as the moral compass of the film
the film noir protagonist represents good in the film

if the film noir is a dark, gritty, space, how do we know what is right?
— audience?

Sam Spade
— treatment of women, greed —

protagonist in film noir always has flaws

to what degree are film noir protagonists aware of/conscious of their morally compromised actions?

the good not represented in one noir,. something you see represented through the actions of the characters — whether they regret something, or are worried about something, or feel remorse about something

FRAMED

CONFESSIONS

BLACK-OUTS
— lose time
— film goes on without you or the character knowing what’s going on

SET-UPS

point of view — and how we as spectators are aligned/or not aligned with the characters we’re watching

— during a black-out, our position as the audience is aligned with the character’s pespective

Asphalt Jungle
what are we meant to admire in a heist film?
— loyalty and friendship among the group
— teamwork
— how the plan was executed
— specialization
—> pressure felt by team and by audience